243 85g HPBT

[mistymagic]

I am new to the Forum, but here goes. I want to build a varmint load for 243 using Sierra 85g HPBT and IMR 4064 as the propellant. Can anyone give me a powder starting point for this combination? I plan to load a series of small increments until I find the best in my Win M70 at 100 yards.
Tres Lagos Ranch

 

[fdshuster]

mistymagic: From the new Lyman loading manual# 49, page 156: IMR 4064 with the Sierra 85 HPBT # 1530. Suggested starting grains 34.0, velocity, with their test eqpt) 2824 fps, pressure 33500. MAX load 39.0, velocity 3236 fps, pressure 49200. That bullet has been an excellent performer over the yrs. in my 243s', 6mm22-250, and several 6BRs'. Many of the Sierra 'GameKing' produce goups like a match bullet, for me.

 

[mistymagic]

Frank:
Many thanks for the 4064 data. This will get me on the path to settling on a new load that will drill with my rifle. Im off the the press and then its bench time. Cheers
Charles Morgan
Tres Lagos Ranch

 

[GSPV]

Back in the old days, my go-to groundhog load was 40.5 gr of 4350 behind the 85 HPBT. It's a wonderful bullet.

 

[vonb]

37.0 gr of IMR4064 with Win. brass, CCI BR2 and 85gr HPBT seems to be a sweet spot for me yielding 3100fps.

 

[mistymagic]

This feedback is great. I certainly have some benchmarks as reference points in finding the sweet spot for my rig. You guys know how it is, most of the enjoyment is always in the journey!
Charles Morgan
Tres Lagos ranch

 

[GSPV]

While I'm thinking about it...

That Sierra 60gr flat base hollow point is fun to shoot on crows, etc. at close range.

It works very well in combination with the 85 HPBT.

 

[mistymagic]

GSPV:
Interesting idea. I have a number of large pecan trees here on the ranch and in the early fall the crows arrive early every morning to help them selves. Perhaps I can arrange a surprise for this fall!! Thanks for the tip.

The adventure continues.
Charles Morgan
Tres Lagos Ranch

 

[AckleymanII]

I shot many thousands of these bullets on P.dogs in years gone past. Since they have toughened up the bullet for deer.

I used a load of 37.0-38.5g of H4895 with a Fed 205 with a speed of 3150 approx with amazing accuracy. Imr 4064 is close to h4895, I would try those same loads with the 4064.

For Varmints, please don't pass up the 75g V Max, great bc, and very fast with IMR 4064, start off with 39.0g and go up from there.

For a mid size bullet, the 80g Sierra Blitz with a warm load of IMR 4064 with a Fed 210 primer shoots in my two 700 Rems at 3450 fps, and 1 1/2' at 300 yards.

Good luck!

 

[mistymagic]

Keith:
A 75 gr HPBT should be a real screamer. I will get a sample and try them out on some paper - then its off to the varmint range. I appreciate the suggestions. Squeezing off a round at 150 yds is so much more interesting than blasting away with a 12g and T shot.

Mistymagic
Tres Lagos Ranch

 

[cliffy]

.243 Winchester is the most versitile caliber in the world. To note this, merely check to see that .243 die sales remain in the top five caliber range worldwide. 85 grain bullets are the very lightest fare for medium weight game. 90 grain Swift Scirocco IIs are the bullets of choice for 300 yard shooting at such as Pronghorn Antelope. 100 grain Speer Grand Slams are suitable for Feral Hogs, Whitetails, and Mule Deer. Beyond 600 pound game, seek a .30/06 Springfield at 165 grain bullet load. For .243 Varmint hunting, look no further than the venerable Barnes 62 grain Varmint Grenade or 70 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip,if hide condition is not paramount, or go back to the Varmint Grenade). cliffy

 

[cliffy]

p.s. my favorite .243 Winchester powder is Hodgdon H4350. It works well with any bullet up to 105 grain bullet weight, NOT powder charge weight my goodness. My favorite primers are MAGTECH 9 1/2 and CCI 250 LRM. My current favorite is a 100 Grain Speer Grand Slam that I will take to Texas next month for Hog shooting. Specific Load upon request. cliffy

 

[nwkman]

Think and 85 will stabilize in 14 twist barrel in 243?

 

[1000yardstare]

mistymagic: I know your original question was 4064 but I see other powders in this thread so here goes - 40.0 gr RX15 and the 85 Sierra hpbt clock 3200 fps out of my Savage M11 22 inch barrel. Trajectory is +2.5 inch at 100 metres,110 yds), +1.5 at 200,220), -6.5 at 300,330). Prints 1 inch groups at 200 metres with a 3-9 Bushnell. Can`t believe the accuracy of this low budget rifle. Dynamite on groundhogs. The .243 cartridge never ceases to amaze me.

 

[CPorter]

You can look here for a few ideas:

http://mysite.verizon.net/carl_porter/index.htm

 

[griffshrek]

mistymagic

i use the Sierra 85gr HPBT i dont use the powder you do but i am obtaining sub 1/4' groups @100m on good day with 48gr of RL19 powder Rem 9 1/2 primer and Rem brass.

i use this as my all round bullet for varminting to deer its a great little bullet i have taken 180lbs fallow deer with it and only last week head shot a pile of rabbits at ranges from 280-330m

this is one accurate load.

regards.......neil